Washington, DC — Today, the House Ethics Committee released its report on the gross misconduct allegations against former House Rep. Matt Gaetz. Investigators found Gaetz paid for drugs and sex – including sex with a minor – and improperly accepted gifts in violation of House ethics rules and Florida state laws. In response, Angel Padilla, vice president of strategy and policy at the National Women’s Law Center Action Fund, issued the following statement:
“The House Ethics report released today confirms the extent of Matt Gaetz’s criminal misconduct, which includes statutory rape, illicit drug use, and corruption. It is no wonder why he tried so hard to obstruct the investigation and the release of its findings. The results are damning of both Gaetz and President-elect Trump.
“This report also reflects the blatant disregard for the rule of the law from the incoming Trump administration, which has prioritized individuals for key Cabinet-level posts who are objectively unfit and unqualified, and have a clear history of sexual misconduct. Rather than being a detriment or a liability, an allegation of sexual misconduct appears to be a badge of honor.
“Matt Gaetz was Trump’s preferred pick for Attorney General, the top law enforcement job in our country, before he was forced to withdraw. Pete Hegseth, who has a long history of inappropriate and racist behavior, and has been accused of sexually assaulting a colleague, remains Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense. And Linda McMahon, Trump’s pick for Secretary of Education, is facing a lawsuit alleging she allowed the sexual abuse of young boys to occur under her watch when she was head of World Wrestling Entertainment. These individuals should be held accountable – not promoted to the most powerful positions in our government.
“This is why Trump demanded recess appointments – because he knew that his picks are unfit and, frankly, dangerous for the positions for which they’ve been nominated. These cases also illustrate the importance of the Senate in the confirmation process. Senators are not spectators but instead have a duty and obligation under the Constitution to advise and consent, to ensure that only qualified people get confirmed. The Senate must do its job and reject these dangerous individuals.”
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